The Tampa Bay Times, Bay News 9 and St. Petersburg College are partnering to broadcast a "Conversation with the Candidates" as a special edition of the politics show Political Connections. The hourlong debate among Republican David Jolly, Democrat Alex Sink and Libertarian Lucas Overby will air on Bay News 9 at 7 p.m.

Sponsored by AARP, the 13th Congressional District forum is hosted by the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions on the SPC Seminole campus. There will be a small audience, and all tickets have been distributed.

Moderating will be Adam C. Smith, the Times' political editor; Amy Hollyfield, the Times' assistant managing editor/politics; and Al Ruechel, Bay News 9 senior anchor. "We believe this debate will not only inform the voters of District 13 but will air issues of great importance to the people of the entire Tampa Bay region," said Times editor Neil Brown. "A congressional seat has high stakes for all of us."

About 37 percent of the more than 455,000 voters in the district covering much of Pinellas County are Republican; 35 percent, Democrat; and about 28 percent, independent or other party. Twenty-seven percent of district voters are 66 or older.